Study Finds New Benefits of Breastfeeding

Over the last few decades, breastfeeding has been proven beneficial for both the mother and her child by a number of studies. Breast milk contains just the right amount of vitamins and nutrients which are needed for healthy growth and development but the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the nutritional value of breast milk. Besides being packed with vitamins and essential nutrients, breast milk also contains the mother’s antibodies which help the baby fight off illnesses in both short and long term. Research reveals that breastfeeding also reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), allergies and childhood obesity, while breastfeeding mothers are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. But there is more.

A study conducted by the researchers from the Duke University has found that breast milk offers another thing baby formula does not. The researchers led by William Parker have not managed to answer the question that is bothering scientists for quite some time which is how the antibodies in breast milk protect the baby from illnesses. But they have made a big step towards answering the question. Parker said they have discovered that breast milk is not only feeding the baby but the bacteria too in a way which encourages their growth in a certain pattern. According to Parker, bacteria travel through the body randomly with other sources of food but with breast milk, they grow in layers in the baby’s intestinal tract. And this is as Parker noted something baby formula does not offer.

The lead author of the new study on benefits of breastfeeding explained that bacteria play an important role in development of the baby’s immune system. He thinks that breast milk is the key in the way the bacteria develop and probably in the way the baby develops as well. The findings of the new study thus further increased the list of reasons why the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies during the first six months.

What about the mothers who can’t breastfeed?

Considering the many benefits of breast milk over formula, women who cannot breastfeed for one reason or the other should perhaps consider donated breast milk from a milk bank.

Janice Watkins

After working in toddler and care preschools for 12 years, Janice is proud mom and care provider that ensures superior care for all whom she takes care of.Janice is an ideal ambassador not only for baby lifetime, but for nursing as a whole. Deeply devoted to her kids, she is known to sacrifice personal comfort so that they may get the care that they need. She is also an excellent researcher of family and baby subjects. Check me out at Google

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